Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
Gallbladder Disease — Gallbladder Surgery Methods
Open, laparoscopic, and robotic cholecystectomy
Symptomatic stones, cholecystitis, and many complications are treated by removing the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Most cases today are laparoscopic; open and robotic approaches are chosen for anatomy, inflammation, or surgeon judgment.
Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
This educational figure shows: Surgery methods · overview.
Key points
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Small incisions, camera-guided dissection of the cystic duct and artery, gallbladder removed from the liver bed—usual standard for elective disease.
Open cholecystectomy
Larger incision when dense inflammation, adhesions, or safety concerns favor direct access. Conversion from laparoscopy is a safety decision.
Robotic cholecystectomy
Selected cases use robotic assistance for difficult anatomy. The setup is usually several small incisions. A single-port approach — camera and instruments through one incision, often at the umbilicus — can be discussed for suitable elective cases. It is not a better operation for everyone. How the platform works is on the single-port page.
- Key note inside
Critical view of safety
Regardless of platform, identifying the cystic duct and artery clearly before clipping/cutting prevents bile duct injury.
Related pages
More chapters in this hub
Gallstones
Biliary colic, silent stones, and when cholecystectomy is appropriate
Acute Cholecystitis
Fever and continuous RUQ pain — early surgery pathways
Bile-Duct Stones
Jaundice and cholangitis risk — ERCP then gallbladder removal
Gallbladder Polyps
Size, growth, and when surveillance becomes surgery
Gallbladder Cancer
Rare cancer — staging and tumor-board planning
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: what the procedure aims to do and who it fits
Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
Robotic surgery: what the procedure aims to do and who it fits
Appointment / info
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.